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At this hour, Yan Qing was actually still in the residence and had not yet left.
The enforcement of palace and city restrictions was already strict. Less than three months had passed since the late Emperor’s passing, and the people were still in mourning. Besides canceling all banquet activities, it was strictly forbidden for anyone to linger outside at night, causing disturbances.
After the palace gates were locked, unless there was internal turmoil or someone rebelled, the Imperial Guards would not dare disturb the Emperor’s rest for any reason.
Even though she had not departed, the atmosphere in the Princess’s residence felt somewhat different from usual.
The lights were on in the sleeping quarters, casting a serene and gentle glow throughout the room.
However, Wen Jin felt somewhat uneasy. The book in his hand had been left open for a long time, unable to read a single word. His eyes kept glancing at Yan Qing, who sat by the window seemingly admiring the night sky.
“Your Highness, is something on your mind?” Wen Jin inquired.
Without turning her head, Yan Qing replied lazily, “No.”
Wen Jin pursed his lips, “I wish to speak with Your Highness.”
Yan Qing turned to him, resting her chin on her hand, looking at him with interest, “What is it?”
After a brief pause, Wen Jin continued, “Your Highness brought the chief secretary’s legitimate son to the Princess’s residence today?”
Yan Qing responded with a sound of acknowledgment, “Do you have objections again?”
“I dare not,” Wen Jin replied.
“Even if you did, it wouldn’t matter,” Yan Qing’s voice sounded gentle, but each word felt like a piercing blade to the heart. “I have no intention of seeking your opinion.”
Wen Jin lowered his gaze, “The atmosphere in the residence tonight feels off.”
“Hmm,” Yan Qing nodded. “I had the Qilin Guards escort Hu Yunfei and Ji Chiyu away.”
Escorted away?
Wen Jin was taken aback, a strange feeling creeping over him, “Where were they taken?”
“Where else could they be taken?” Yan Qing glanced at him suspiciously. “After all, they are the sons of court officials. I wouldn’t send them to their graves so quickly.”
What she wanted was for Imperial Censor Hu and Chief Secretary Ji to be cautious and not provoke her again, even to obey when necessary.
She didn’t intend to make enemies out of them one by one.
Those from her past life who had no grievances with her, Yan Qing wouldn’t actively seek conflict with them. She would use them if needed, but those who dared to obstruct her path would meet their end.
Yan Qing had no intention of being soft-hearted in this lifetime.
“Your Highness,” Shen Mo sought guidance from outside, “The Prince Regent is at the door. Will you see him now?”
“Yes,” Yan Qing got up and headed towards the door.
However, just as she was about to step over the threshold, Yan Qing turned back, walked to the cage, and beckoned.
Wen Jin approached her.
Yan Qing reached into the cage, patting his head as one would a pet, but with a hint of intimidation, “Behave yourself, don’t do anything you shouldn’t, or I won’t spare you.”
With those words left hanging, she turned and walked away.
Wen Jin was taken aback, not having time to feel the warmth of her palm on his head when suddenly a heavy feeling sank into his heart, an unsettling premonition that struck him abruptly.
He had a vague sense that something was about to happen, something completely beyond his control.
Yet, he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
It was only when Yan Qing didn’t return after leaving.
One hour passed, then two, even into the late hours of the night.
Yan Qing didn’t return all night.
Wen Jin gently placed his hand over his heart, feeling its rapid beating.
He tried to reassure himself that Yan Qing must have been delayed or had left the residence for some reason.
After all, Yan Qing was always busy and not always present at the residence.
But when a maid brought in breakfast, placed it on the table, and left without a glance back, Wen Jin finally acknowledged the source of his unease.
Setting down the book, he looked towards the direction the maid had exited, his grip on the book tightening involuntarily, a strong sense of panic overwhelming him and making it impossible to stay put.
Wen Jin stood up, walked to the cage, found the key on the desk by the window, and swiftly unlocked the restraints.
Once freed from the shackles, he could no longer maintain his composed demeanor and hurried out, gazing at the suddenly empty residence, a corner of his heart slowly plunging into despair.
The Qilin Guards on duty were all gone.
The Princess’s residence fell into complete silence, as if no one had ever returned.
Wen Jin’s face paled slightly, his lips tightened, and his eyes held a forlorn and sorrowful gaze.
He wanted to smile, but couldn’t muster one.
After sitting alone in a daze for a while, Wen Jin felt wooden and mechanical as he walked step by step towards the Princess’s residence. The scenery was beautiful and serene, with signs of spring evident everywhere.
Occasionally, maids passed by, casting ambiguous glances at Wen Jin. Lost in his thoughts, he walked out in a daze.
“Sir,” a young man stood outside the main gate and hurried forward upon seeing Wen Jin, “I received a message that the Princess left the imperial city at the time of the Tiger (3-5 AM), heading towards Zhuque City.”
Towards Zhuque City?
Wen Jin gazed silently in the direction of the city gates.
The time of the Tiger (3-5 AM) was when the city gates opened. Yan Qing had prepared to leave the night before, but she hadn’t hinted at anything to him.
His heart constricted sharply, and Wen Jin suppressed the dull ache, his lips turning pale before gradually relaxing.
It’s nothing.
He told himself that Yan Qing wouldn’t abandon him, she couldn’t bear to. As long as he obediently brought her what she needed and personally delivered it to her, she would be happy.
She would definitely be happy.
“I won’t go to Zhuque City,” Wen Jin lowered his gaze, his voice soft and gentle like a clear spring, “Zhuque City is entirely under her control now. She has no reason to return. Send reliable scouts to track her. I want to know her exact whereabouts.”
She must have gone to another place she deemed important.
“Understood.”
“Also, take a trip to the Princess’s residence dungeon and see if Xiao Jinghan is still there,” Wen Jin calmly ordered, “If he is, cut off his limbs and send a piece to Xiao Zhongshan and Yan Chen each.”
Wei Yun was taken aback, “Sir?”
“Do it,” Wen Jin commanded.
“Yes.”
The somber and forlorn look in Wen Jin’s eyes gradually faded, replaced by a cold and ruthless determination.
He would do everything for her, ensuring she had no worries. He would stay here, taking care of everything that belonged to her until her return.
Back at his residence, Wen Jin summoned his trusted subordinate, “Is Xiao Zhongshan in the military camp?”
“Yes.”
“His only legitimate son is in trouble, and he seems preoccupied with military matters,” Wen Jin’s voice was cold and filled with a chilling ruthlessness, “Send someone on a trip to Jizhou. Xiao’s old lady has lived long enough.”
“Understood.”
Wen Jin stood alone for a moment, seeming to blend entirely into the night, his aura lonely and desolate, like a lone wolf detached from the world, feeling the stark loneliness of losing a companion keenly.
Looking up at the night sky, the February air was still cold, especially in the early hours, with a chilling feel that lacked warmth.
Yan Qing.
Those two words seeped into his marrow like a corrosive poison, infiltrating every fiber of his being. They had long merged with his life and blood, beyond remedy.
With just a thought, he could be filled with sweetness or heart-wrenching pain.
Wen Jin concealed his emotions, went into the room to change and freshen up.
The bright light illuminated his warm face as he donned his official attire, exuding dignity, elegance, and nobility, presenting himself as a graceful scion of a distinguished family.